manila fashion observer

The Trouble with Tuition: How Parents Can Cope via BPI

2013-05-23T05:12:00.001-07:00

Parents, with school year 2013-2014 right around the corner, we'd like to share with you another banking breakthrough from BPI!

Who’s afraid of tuition fees, more so, those dreaded tuition fee hikes?

Not the parent who has saved enough to pay for their child’s education well into graduate school. But the reality is that, many parents get nervous when the time to pay for tuition and school fees rolls around. Even families, who live relatively comfortable lives, would still feel the crunch, especially when they’re sending multiple kids to school at the same time.

Years ago, a mom of 4 kids was telling me of her plan to send her youngest and only daughter to a school which was not as fancy, hence, less expensive than her three older boys’ private school. Sounds unfair, but what’s a mom with a budget to do?

Let’s face it. Filipinos in general, are not financially savvy. A Money Summit infographic based on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Consumer Finance Survey of 2012 presents these truly shocking facts: But we don’t have to be part of this statistic.

The good news is that, parents can do financial planning early on and get advice, before we have to make life-changing decisions for our kids. From talking to financially savvy relatives and friends, to talking to a financial planner or personal banker, there’s a host of options really.

But if you are not comfortable talking finances face to face with family & friends, especially strangers, here’s one novel way of getting money advice – via the BPI Bankers Online App on Facebook!

BPI makes it easy for every Filipino with a Facebook account to get financial advice by allowing us to have personalized conversations with real bankers from BPI.

Each BPI Banker Online has his/her own specialty whom we can ask about our individual financial needs – from money management, building a nest egg, growing wealth, to borrowing for business. For the already money savvy BPI client, the BPI Online Banker app also features a connection to BPI’s help desk for account-related inquiries and other customer service concerns.

It sort of is like having a personal banker on speed dial, but even better. What’s more convenient than getting financial advice in between chatting with friends and liking their photos? Haha!

But really, the BPI Online Bankers App makes it easy for all of us to get to our financial goals faster, through expert financial advise and solutions. Which in the case of the parent wringing her hands because tuition fee season is right around the corner, could be as easy as seeking advise via the BPI Online Bankers app found on the BPI Facebook Page www.facebook.com/bpi.

BPI seeks to help improve financial literacy in the country by reaching out to the more than 27 million Filipinos on Facebook. Through the app, BPI encourages these users to become more aware of their financial health and to seek the expert advice offered by the bank’s pool of friendly and knowledgeable bankers.

The Jessica Alba Way to Losing that Post-Pregnancy Belly

2013-05-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Moms! Expecting moms! Young ladies who will eventually become moms years from now! Here's a tip from Jessica Alba, hot momma of two, on how to lose that post-baby paunch:

"It was brutal; it's not for everyone. I wore a double corset for three months. It was sweaty, but WORTH IT."

The secret to getting her pre-baby bod back at The Edit via net-a-porter.com

Actually, I can vouch for you that this works. Like a charm.

Unwittingly, I had done the Jessica Alba tactic and wore a belly wrap (just one, not 2. But I also wore a hip shrinking band) for 2 months (ok, I should have worn it an extra month pala!) day and night as soon as I popped Berry and Xavi. Well, not right after, but on the day we left the hospital, which was about 2 days after I gave birth.

This is me a few days before I gave birth

Ten days after I gave birth

Xavi and me five weeks after he popped out

Yes, it was sweaty. Yes it was uncomfortable. Yes it bulged under my clothes. Taking it off after 2 months felt very liberating. But it was also a relief to have the semblance of a flat tummy after months of just seeing it protrude. Which was good enough.

Unlike Jessica Alba, I need to work on strengthening my core and toning my tummy. Now if only I can find the discipline to do plana forma and yoga religiously. Next week, promise!

P.S.

Oh, I have to say that using a belly wrap has to be used in conjunction with a belly tightening cream like Palmer's Post Natal Firming Lotion or the Clarins Tonic Oil. My therapist at the Clarins Spa says you have to apply a tightening cream or lotion day and night, and soon after giving birth to see the full effect. I noticed that when I gave birth to Berry, I was younger and my skin just bounced back with no help from a firming cream. But since I was 34 when I gave birth to Xavi, skin wasn't as elastic and got a bit loose and saggy, hence the needed boost, ahihi.

A Mom's Perfect Day at Greenbelt

2013-05-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

When my friend and fellow SoMom Jenny R. of My Mommyology told us that our little "mommy gang" aka The SoMoms were invited by Ayala Malls to celebrate Mothers Day at Greenbelt 5, my initial reaction was like, "Spend Mother's Day at the mall? But wouldn't that be so commercial?"

But well, we've been celebrating Mother's Day at home most of the time since I became a mom, and we'd usually eat out the day before to avoid the crowds, so I was up for something different this year. I mean, why not, diba?

Plus, there was this fun part where Jenny said we should wear matching "Mommy & Me" outfits. The kids get to wear clothes from Gingersnaps and us moms could wear anything as long as we found it in an Ayala Mall store. So the Friday before Mother's Day, Berry and I went to Greenbelt to shop.

We first went to Zara, and found plenty that I liked. But I wasn't sold yet. I wanted something really special for Mother's Day that I could also wear over and over. Plus, Berry was getting bored and wanted to go where the kids stuff were. So Berry & I went to Gingersnaps right after.

Shopping at Gingersnaps has got to be the most enjoyable thing for me and Berry. Because there are so many pretty clothes, the dilemma really boils down to choosing which items we love best. These are just but a few of the items Berry & I liked:

So cute no? I love how dainty and yet practical their clothes are. I ended up getting Berry a pair of blue & white shorts and a white eyelet top, to match Xavi's blue & white striped polo shirt and shorts. I also found cute shorts with pink flamingos for Xavi at the sale table, and a matching shirt at the little boys section.

With Berry content, I decided to go take a look at the wheat print dress that I saw at Tory Burch back in March. When I tried it on, eeeep! It fit like a glove! I posted this photo on Instagram and all my IG friends agreed I should get it. Ahihihi.

Btw, I just have to share with you the shorts I wore that day. This is from Zara. They're the coolest shorts ever. It's like an asymmetrical wrap skirt but they're actually shorts. I've been living in them since I got them, because the heat just calls for something that's simple, no-fuss, weather appropriate, but with loads of style.

When Sunday rolled around, Berry & I went to Greenbelt with our friends Jackie & Gabbie. It became a mommies day out! Or day off? Hahaha. Ayala Malls prepared high tea treats for the moms, catered by Bizu...

When Berry saw the tables laden with goodies, she immediately made a beeline for it. Here we are caught on camera, choosing pastries for Berry:

After getting our fill of sweet treats, Mench Dizon of Ayala Malls brought us to the Butterfly Garden:

The kids loved it! Berry was both thrilled and freaked out with the butterflies at the same time.

Behind the Butterfly Garden was a mani-pedi area which was free for Moms & their kids.

Mench said that the ongoing Mother's Day theme for all Ayala Malls was "Music & Memories" and they hired musicians to serenade the moms celebrating Mother's Day at their malls. I think the mall goers enjoyed it too because a lot of them would stop and rest at the gallery, listening to live music while nibbling on pastries and chocolates from the high tea buffet.

Of course, while at Greenbelt we had to pass by Gingersnaps to say thank you for generously dressing up the kids for Mother's Day.

Here are our girls decked out in Gingersnaps, all busy holding on to Mommy's phone:

Here's the requisite group shot. Heehee. Notice that most of the little girls' hair clips are by Celestina & Co, and their sandals are Salt-Waters. Like a uniform!

We were in for some beauty treats that day too. Lancome invited us over to their store...

And I think our budding beauty enthusiasts had fun inside as well:

They highlighted their new luxury cream, Absolue L'Extrait which has 2 million rose stem cells. Very exotic and luxurious! The price? Php20,000 thereabouts. But if it will make Mama look youthful, let her go ahead and indulge!

Kiehl's invited us over too...

They had wonderful Mother's Day gift suggestions, such as their new Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Eye Cream, which is a treat any woman would love, mom or not.

Soon after, my friend Tammy David, who was the official photographer for the day took our photo for posterity. Loved that Berry & I got to have a girls day out. Heehee.

Of course, Berry & I also enjoyed spending a portion of Mother's Day with our friends. We had a lot of fun, I actually wouldn't mind spending another special occasion at Greenbelt again!

*The high tea spread and all the Mom's Day events and activities such as the mani/pedi and entrance to the Butterfly Garden in Greenbelt was a special treat for all moms, not just us. Just reach the minimum required spend that day, and qualified mall goers get the perks for the day.

All photos save for my IG photos are courtesy of photographer Tammy David

Summer 2013 Sunnies: Oliver Peoples & Paul Smith

2013-05-22T01:17:00.000-07:00

I love the "secret message" hidden in the inner temples of Paul Smith sunnies. The top and bottom two-tone frames are a visual treat too. I like how they look so classic, and yet very "Paul Smith" colorful. But if low-key is more your thing, then the middle one fits the bill:

Have I told you how much I want these Oliver Peoples sunnies too? I really really wanted these, but ended up getting the Miu Miu Pentagon ones instead. Because well, I really really wanted those too! Not to say, this style is still in my wish list!

Such a classic! Oliver Peoples makes amazing spectacles as well. This pair below looks so cool and not nerdy at all:

I've held it and it's very light. It looks expensive too. "Hand crafted in Italy" is painstakingly carved or lasered on the inside. Bellissima.

And this completes my roundup of the latest in sunglasses and eyewear from BLI/Luxury Eyewear Philippines. For updates, follow LuxuryEyewearPH on Twitter and Instagram and Like them on Facebook!

Branded Lifestyle Inc. (BLI) is the distributor of luxury & fashion eyewear in the Philippines. Brands in their portfolio include Coach, Tory Burch, Polo Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu, Prada, Versace, Paul Smith, Oliver Peoples, Bvlgari and Tiffany & Co.

Feiyue in Manila

2013-05-20T21:22:00.001-07:00

Photo by My Mom Friday's 6 year old daughter M, galing!

The sneakers above are my Feiyues (pronounced Feî-yué) and I love them! Not only are they stylish, they are super comfortable too! I remember seeing a guy in the Singapore MRT back in 2010, that's 3 years ago, wearing this exact same pair and I wanted one at first sight. I thought they looked cool in a classic, old school kind of way.

Feiyue sneakers have an interesting history. As the name suggests, it has Chinese roots. Feiyue literally means "Flying Forward" and it has done just that, transforming itself from a lowly cloth shoe in the 1920s worn by martial artists and athletes to a global brand today, backed up by a group of French sneaker enthusiasts.

Ruby Gan's son Ralph tells me Feiyues are known as shaolin shoes

To understand how progressive the brand has become, imagine this. From shaolin shoes, they moved on to a Feiyue x CELINE collaboration in 2008. And the sneakers looked pretty cool, pre-Phoebe Philo at that. (Philo only came on board as Creative Director of Celine in 2008 and presented her Pre-Spring 2010 debut collection in 2009 - MFO's note).

The Feiyue x CELINE collaboration from 2008

From this first collaboration, Feiyue went on to work on artistic and graphic projects with Shin Tanaka (Japan), Stereo Japan (France), Steph Cop (France), NSDQ (Hong Kong), CASIO and agnès b.

Feiyue x agnès b.

Feiyue landed in Manila in 2011. The same year the brand launched in Australia and New York. But it was only recently that Feiyue Manila opened their showroom in Greenhills, at Sekai Center.

Xavi & me at the Feiyue showroom with L to R: Janice, Jaycee, Kris, Michelle and Jenny

My friend Janice's cousin Jaycee Dee invited the SoMoms over and we got to look at the styles they brought in...

Plus a sneak peek of the new Fall 2013 collection which should arrive in a few months. Can I just say I love the kids line? Totally adorable! The high tops? O.M.G.

I want to get this for Berry

I want to get this for Xavi

Can we get a collective squeal? Eeeeeeeeeep! Too too too cute!

Of course, I am getting myself a pair of this mid-cut origins too, as seen on Janice and Jaycee:

The mid-cut origins are also part of the Fall Collection and I am getting antsy waiting for all these new styles! Hurry up Feiyue and Fly Forward to the kiddos and meeee!

Feiyue is available at Rustan's Alabang Town Center, Makati and Shangri-la, Zalora.com.ph and at their Greenhills showroom: Unit 104 Sekai Center, 368 Ortigas Avenue cor Madison Street, Greenhills, San Juan.

For more information and updates, like Feiyue on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Feiyue.Philippines

Cupcakes by Sonja is Spreading the Cupcake Love

2013-05-15T02:10:00.003-07:00

What happens when...

and...

...spend an afternoon bonding over cupcakes? Well, they have a fabulous good time! That's exactly what happened when Berry & I joined the SoMoms and the SoKids at the new Cupcakes by Sonja shop at the Bridgeway in Glorietta 2 when it opened a few weeks ago:

Going to Sonjas is a huge, great, big deal for Berry because in our home, she is the biggest Cupcakes by Sonja fan ever! So much so that she has at least one box a week from Auntie Miriam.

Not only is she a consumer of cupcakes, Berry loves to bake too. When we want to keep her occupied, we give Berry a box of cake mix, cupcake liners, a bowl and a spoon and she's pretty much a happy camper in the kitchen all afternoon. So when Berry had the chance to ice and decorate her very own cupcakes, she was so excited! She took to the icing and frosting spatula like a fish to water:

She enjoyed sprinkling her cupcake with sugar and candy sprinkles,

And had a blast decorating the cupcakes all by herself, with very minimal to no help from me:

Yes, she decorated quite a lot, but she enjoyed doing everything, she even managed to frost a cookie!

For Berry, meeting Tita Sonja is like meeting a rockstar. Or maybe meeting a Disney Princess. When I told her to have a photo taken with Tita Sonja who makes her favorite cupcakes, she suddenly became shy and wanted Atchi N to join their photo. But "momtuition" tells me she was thrilled to bits inside. Just look at that smile!

Berry with Atchi N and Tita Sonja

By the way Dear Readers, you and your kids can go to Cupcakes by Sonja at Glorietta 2 and arrange for a cupcake decorating party for you and your friends too. Or you can have them bring cupcake customizing kits to your party venue. It's a unique and fun activity that I am pretty sure kids from 3 to 73 will love. Is there an unhappy child in this photo? No? Told ya!

Incidentally, we also got to bring home and try the new cupcake flavors at the Glorietta 2 store and I cannot wait to go back! I used to be just a Peppermint Patty kind of girl, but my oh my, I now have a growing list of flavors to try: Outrageous Mississippi Mud Pie, Valrhona Milk Choco-Hazelnut, Melt-in-your-Mouth Flourless Chocolate Cupcake and more. Uhm yes, I love chocolate!

Six years later and Cupcakes by Sonja is continuing to revolutionize the cupcake industry! (Haha, industry talaga) Apart from coming up with new gourmet cupcake flavors, it also has a growing customized cake business, offering cake pops and dessert buffets for private parties and corporate events. Sonja has definitely come a long way from the time she was frosting cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker Street in the West Village years ago. And just like Magnolia Bakery, the store that started the cupcake craze in Manhattan, Sonja's cupcake stores are popping up around the metro!

I got to chat with Sonja's business partner, Anne Gonzalez of Terry S.A., and she shares more stores are set to open within the year at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Eastwood City, Greenhills Promenade, and TriNoma. Isn't that the sweetest news? Woohoo!

For more information, visit Cupcakes by Sonja online:

FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/CupcakesBySonjaOfficial
TWITTER http://twitter.com/CUPCAKESBYSONJA
INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/CUPCAKESBYSONJA
PINTEREST http://pinterest.com/cupcakesbysonja
BLOG http://blog.cupcakesbysonja.com/
TUMBLR http://cupcakesbysonja.tumblr.com/

Mommy Issues & Virtues

2013-05-14T05:10:00.000-07:00

Two Mother's Days ago, I wrote a post on the lessons that my mom taught me. Re-reading it made me appreciate my mom even more, because now that I am a mom to two kids, I realize how difficult it was for her to raise 5 kids, while her husband, our dad, was away most of the time on field assignment.

Let me tell you about my Mom. She sounds frivolous and out of touch with reality at times, but she taught me so many valuable life lessons, that I will share some with you today aka Pamana ni Nanay:

Marrying for love. One huge thing that I thank my parents for is that they let us grow secure in the fact that they love each other. They have been together for close to 50 years now and they are proof to me that people who love each other will always make it work.

My parents, in their 30s. Taken at their friends' home in Vidalia, Georgia

For one, in this day and age when a long-distance relationship sounds like the scariest thing on earth, my parents carried on a 7 year long-distance relationship (pre-Skype/Face Time/Viber/Whatsapp, etc yan ha) before they tied the knot. I don't know how they managed, but they did. While studying in Manila, she would write long love-letters to my Dad who was then a PMA cadet in Baguio. My dad would reply, writing "newspapers" = letters written in Manila paper with Pentel pen. Telegrams (kids, ever heard of that?) were exchanged. It was romantic stuff. When I was ten, I would pore at their love letters, feeling a mixture of kilig and cringe factor levels. My Mom went on to work in the US for a few years after graduation, before getting married. At the time my Dad was already in Mindanao, living in the jungles, heading a small platoon of soldiers. He would regale us with stories of being in battle, bullets whizzing past his head, he and his soldiers bravely dodging enemy fire, saying it was like a scene from a movie...

Unflinching faith and prayers. If I were in my Mom's shoes, the thought that my fiance was risking life and limb each day would have scared me shitless. But my Mom said she put my Dad in God's hands and prayed and prayed and prayed for his safety every single day. This went on from the time my Dad was a scruffy, ill-fed lieutenant up until my Dad reached the peak of his career as CSAFP. She supported my Dad's dream to be a four-star general, and took the backseat, gamely giving up her career to be an army wife, raising five kids while my Dad was busy serving the country.

Taking on responsibility wholeheartedly. She's the 2nd of four live siblings. Her eldest sister passed away when my Mom was 26, and she suddenly found herself thrust in the role of eldest child. Something that she probably wasn't prepared for, but she stepped up to the plate and took on the responsibility, valiantly. When my grandparents grew old and got sick, she was the one doing the hospital rounds, while managing a household. Even at that, she still found time to drive us to and from school, bringing us piping hot sinigang for lunch, to the envy of my classmates who by then had cold, wrinkly hotdogs in their lunchbox.

Quality over quantity. When I was 7, my Mom, my sister Trina, and I visited my Lola Imas in San Francisco. I remember my Mom only ever shopped twice for herself. One, to buy a strand of Mikimoto pearls and two, to buy a Nikon SLR camera. Quality > Quantity personified. Which reminds me of this lady who was struggling to stuff her bag on the overhead compartment on our flight back to Manila. My Mom tried to help her but she wasn't nice to my Mom because she was being careful daw about the oranges and apples in her carry-on luggage. Baka she had corned beef packed in her maleta too, along with clothes from K- Mart. Uy joke lang ha. Just taking a dig at that nasty woman. Yes, 30 years later and I still can't forget how that lady's mom forgot to teach her good manners and right conduct. Sya na nga tinutulungan, sya pa yung galit. Plus, nobody talks to my Mom like that, ok? Sorry Mom I wasn't able to defend you and give that lady a piece of my mind. I was only 7 then. But I already knew that was no way to treat a stranger, especially one who was only offering to help.

Which leads me to this - we all are a reflection of the people who raised us. And I think, the best compliment a child can ever give a parent is when a child shows his/her appreciation not just in the grandest of gestures but in the sincerest, most heartfelt words ever. Because a grateful child is a constant recipient of God's graces, and will always be a blessing not only to his/her parents but to others as well.

With that, I leave you with this touching video from Ceelin of five children who went beyond their way to show their moms how grateful they are for all the sacrifices and lessons that made them who they are today. Here's what they did to thank them on Mother's Day.

I can only wish my kids will be as proud as me, and will see me not just as a Mom, but a friend whom they can trust and confide in. I hope they will enjoy my company even when they grow into their teens and adult years, and I pray that with our help, they become the person they dream of being, savoring the life they dream of living.

SM Kids' Fashion Mother's Day Tees + Contest

2013-05-07T09:11:00.002-07:00

To commemorate Mother's Day, SM Kids’ Fashion is launching a line of statement tees for your little ones to wear. With colors ranging from soft pastels to punchy brights, these tees are combined with heartwarming messages that will certainly make each day special for moms and their kids.

SM Kids’ Fashion is also hosting an exclusive Mother’s Day contest wherein kids can share their favorite way of saying “I Love You” to Mom. The SM Kids' Fashion favorite, most creative, and most loving answers win Php 1,500.00 in gift certificates!

To join, simply:

1. Take a creative picture of yourself saying "I love you!" to your mom
2. Like the SM Kids Fashion Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SMkidsfashion
3. Share the photo with SM Kids Fashion by sending a private message on Facebook with the attached photo.

Contest ends on Mothers' Day, May 12, 2013.

White Feels Right

2013-05-07T00:53:00.003-07:00

The heat has been just too oppressive, it feels like the only right color to wear is white. Popped on over to Zara and saw so many nice tops that I'd want to be wearing now!

Ok, this is not white, but it looks so presko!

What's your go-to summer outfit in this heat?

Monochromatic

2013-05-02T08:25:00.002-07:00

Just found it interesting that everything in this photo is in cream, black or grey.

Madewell shirt, Minnie pants from J. Crew, Chanel espadrilles, Vanessa Bruno sequin tote

Incidentally, here's a closer look at my bag, a photo I took from last summer when Xavi was still in my tummy. Has it been a year? Time flies. Was just talking to friends and we can't believe May is here. That's like almost half way through the year!

This bag is older than Berry, and it still looks great. I remember to use it whenever summer rolls around because it just feels like the perfect hot, sunny day bag. So fresh and vibrant.

How about you? What's your favorite summer bag? Chika tayo!

Make Your Own Havaianas 2013

2013-04-30T21:17:00.001-07:00

I've been out of the Manila scene for years that I have never ever been to a Make Your Own Havaianas event ever. Ever, ever.

I would see MYOH in photos and read about it in the papers and in blogs. My friend Conci is a fanatic. She goes and lines up practically each year. But I'd be like, I love Havaianas but I do not love those lines and I am not a big fan of squeezing into a crowd. I'm happy with my factory-made Havaianas.

But then! My friend Janice aka Mommy Mundo invited me and the rest of the SoMoms to the media launch yesterday, and that's when I realized what the craziness is all about.

Me with Jackie, Kris, Jenny, Cai and Jen - nakikiuso ang mga nanay, photo courtesy of @havaianasphils

First, there's the limited edition pair that's only available to buy during the MYOH days.

Each year, Make Your Own Havaianas features a commemorative pair that best visualizes the theme for the year. This year’s theme is “Imagination” and it also happens to be the first-ever collaboration with a Filipino Illustrator and Havaianatico, Dan Matutina, who is renowned for his unique visual mix of handmade and digital, clean and dirty, and old and modern aesthetics.’

“Dan Matutina + Havaianas” is the first glow-in-the-dark MYOH commemorative pair with carbon blue sole and shows two spacemen with space markers connecting the stars to form images— representing how Havaianas invites each and everyone to let loose their creativity brought about by their boundless imagination.

Here's how the glow in the dark Havaianas look like. Eeeez for realz!

Incidentally, when we entered Rockwell Tent, guess what I saw? The Havaianas hot air balloon, with the balloon made entirely out of slippers...

Berry was just inside a few weeks ago, heehee:

We had walked past it on our way to Serendra and she begged to go back to High Street just so she could have a picture inside it. Cute!

Now back to MYOH.

The next reason is the energy! OMG. It's so fun! From the time you fill out your MYOH form to the actual moment when the Havaianas kid goes and looks for your soles, strap and pins, its exciting ha.

Then when they start putting in the straps...

Punching in the pins...

To seeing your actual slippers all done, just the way you imagined. It's quite a thrill!

So take your imagination to greater heights this summer at Make Your Own Havaianas 2013. Experience the summer vibe that never goes out style with the world’s favorite rubber flip-flops brand. Take part in the Havaianas story on May 2 to 5, 2013 at the Rockwell Tent!

I'm going back and hope to see you there! For more details visit:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HavaianasPhilippines
Twitter: www.twitter.com/HavaianasPhils
Instagram: www.instagram.com/HavaianasPhils

PS - Incidentally, you get 10% OFF plus pay using your points or miles when you Make Your Own Havaianas when you use your Citibank card!

Emerson Fry

2013-04-29T21:06:00.001-07:00

It was Karen of A Loopy Life who introduced me to the world of Emerson Fry years ago. It was called Emersonmade then, but name change notwithstanding, everything from Emerson is still as chic and well-made as ever.

The latest collection is no exception. I want almost every piece. And the way the pieces are styled? Simple yet divine! I feel like wearing these this summer:

And when summer wanes, I will go back to black:

To see the rest of the collection, clickety click!

A Philips Avent Trusted Mom Tests the New Comfort Breast Pump

2013-04-29T07:21:00.004-07:00

There are two major things I learned after having two babies.

One is that no matter how many books and parenting magazines I read, how many mommy friends and experts I speak with, and consultations with our pedia that we go through, I will never know everything. There's always a new product out in the market, a parenting approach I should study, a bug we should watch out for, a safety/security alert to keep in mind, or an activity I should bring my kids too.

Second, there never is time for everything. I long for those long gone days when I could spend time going through each grocery aisle. When I could wander around the mall leisurely. When I could read a book, or even a magazine in one sitting. When I could enjoy my meal, savoring each bite and sipping my drink slowly, instead of wolfing it down and gulping, because I have a baby waiting to be fed, carried or entertained.

It is also this constant desire to learn from others and through my own efforts, in as little time as possible, that has also led me to the best products and practices for my kids that work for my own parenting style and our lifestyle. Since I do not have the luxury of time and an unlimited budget to buy and test various products, I always go for the products with the best reviews. And once I've grown to love products I've tried and tested, I am pretty much an advocate for life.

I suppose that's the reason why I've been chosen to become one of Philips Avent's Trusted Moms. From bottle warmers to drinking cups, feeding spoons and bowls, we've been using Avent ever since Berry was a baby and up to now for Xavi.

One of the perks of being a Philips Avent Trusted Mom is that we get a first look at new product releases. One such sneak peek was at the launch of the Philips Avent New Natural Bottle and Comfort Breast Pumps line.

The Natural Bottle and Comfort Breast Pumps are the latest redesign of products aimed to combine breast and bottle-feeding in a way that is as close to nature as possible. The Natural Bottles have an extra-soft and anti-colic nipple as well as unique comfort petals that make sure the nipple does not collapse during feeding. Plus, these bottles also feature a new ergonomic shape that makes it easy for both mom and baby to hold.

Meanwhile, Comfort Breast Pumps are made to help any mother breastfeed for a longer period of time. It comes in an easy to carry bag too so you can bring your pump along everywhere you go.

Small, compact, quiet and lightweight (see how small they are next to an iPhone), Avent electric breast pumps not only allow total ease and comfort while pumping, they also express a lot more milk in less time.

How comfortable? Well, the breast shield has a shorter, integrated funnel so we can pump without having to lean forward. Sitting up straight is of course more comfortable than having to lean forward, and it is that comfortable position that will allow us to express more milk.

Instead of just hard plastic for the breast flange, it has a massage cushion with soft "petals" that gently compress the boobs to stimulate milk flow. It also has a velvety texture which feels warm on the breasts, further helping us relax while pumping milk.

Another great thing about the breast pump are the covers! No need to worry about exposing milk when you have to stop pumping for a bit. With my old pump, I used to just cover it with cling wrap. At least this one is more solid and sturdy.

Apart from bottles and breast pumps, there are also new no-spill drinking cups out. I can't wait for Xavi to test his to see how different this one is from Berry's Avent drinking cups.

The Natural Line will be available in stores by the mid-May 2013. To inquire about prices and product availability, call 7139435 to 38 loc 134 or 143 and look for Rechella or Angela. To view the products or buy ahead, then visit the Philips Avent showroom at:

LJS Corporate Center
550 Magistrado Abad Santos St.
Bacood Sta. Mesa, Manila

For the latest updates, like Philips Avent Philippines on Facebook.

The Flight/Boiler/Jump Suit

2013-04-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

Amanda Brooks in a jumpsuit by Isabel Marant, 2010

A page from the book Tomboy Style, 2012

Floral jumpsuit from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Harbour City Hong Kong, March 2013

Maje jumpsuit, Lee Gardens Causeway Bay March 2013

Boiler Suit by MiH via Tomboy Style, April 2013

Amanda Brooks prompted me to buy a jumpsuit in 2011. But I have yet to wear mine. It's still in the closet, waiting for the right time to be worn.

Tomboy Style has been a long time proponent.

While we were in Hong Kong last month, I chanced upon jumpsuits behind shop windows. A floral one at 3.1 Phillip Lim and a utilitarian piece in army green at Maje.

Will you be jumping into the trend?

Summer 2013 Sunnies: Tory Burch

2013-04-26T03:51:00.000-07:00

This is the sunnies case...

Here are some of your choices...

Yes, mostly classic styles, save for the one up front which would be quite fun to wear for trips to the beach. Here's how it looks from the side, the logo is not too out there:

Tory Burch sunnies are not as common here in the Philippines, so if you want something different from the usual, these are great. They're not expensive too!

For updates, follow LuxuryEyewearPH on Twitter and Instagram and Like them on Facebook!

Ichigo for Mommy & Me

2013-04-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

Berry gets a kick out of wearing similar clothes or shoes as me. Sometimes she chooses an outfit for me that complements her style. I know it sounds ridiculous, but seriously. She's like, "Mom, I don't like what you're wearing" levelz. Then she goes ahead and picks out something similar to what she's wearing.

So you can just imagine how thrilled she was when Lea of Ichigo Shoes sent us matching "mommy & me" pairs aka Ichigo and Tiny Ichigo.

smoking slippers in pink for Berry, black for me

silver flats with velvet bows

Tiny Ichigo is Ichigo's kids line for girls 4-8 years old. Not all styles have Tiny Ichigo versions though, so when you see a pair that you like that comes in yours and your daughter's size, just go for it!

Tiny Sybil and Sybil

Tiny Nicole

Nicole

Cynthia & Tiny Cynthia

These styles and more are part of Ichigo's newly released collection. Plenty of pretty pastels and sandals for summer that would make your little girl, or the little girl in you clap your hands in delight.

Ichigo & Tiny Ichigo are available at The 3rd Floor Atrium Lane, Shoppesville Greenhills, The Ramp Glorietta/Shangri-la/Trinoma and at the 2nd Floor of Gaisano Mall in Davao. Tiny Ichigo is also available at Club Princess, Bonifacio High Street and SM Mall of Asia.

For inquiries and updates, like Ichigo Shoes on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @ichigoshoes.

Summer 2013 Sunnies: Prada

2013-04-24T22:16:00.000-07:00

Still can't get enough of summer sunnies? Prada has great ones as well. From classic tortoiseshell ones to the statement pair below:

For me, the Portrait sunnies from Fall 2012 is the standout. The curvy acetate detail on top embellished with purple stones evoke the illusion of a unibrow yes, but a fabulous one at that.

I believe Frida Kahlo would approve.

But if understatement is your thing, here are choice frames to choose from:

Apart from sunglasses, there are geek chic lenses for you, fabulous four eyed friends. These have the classic Prada logo on the temples.

Buy your Prada Portrait sunnies and see the rest of the collection at Adora, LS Pascual Rockwell/Shangri-la, Sarabia Rockwell and Almeda Shangri-la.

Wait for more of my posts on the hottest shades of summer from BLI. In the meantime, for updates, follow LuxuryEyewearPH on Twitter and Instagram and Like them on Facebook!

BYS Cosmetics Now in The Philippines!

2013-04-24T06:27:00.000-07:00

BYS stands for "Be Yourself", a cosmetics brand that was established in Australia in 2004.

Designed for girls first experimenting with makeup as well as women who are looking for exceptional quality cosmetics that are also affordable, BYS offers more than a thousand products and is found in over 30 countries worldwide including the UK, France, South Africa, parts of Asia and the Middle East. Japan is its largest market outside of Australia.

That said, when Michelle of My Mom Friday invited us to a make-up workshop hosted by BYS, my fellow moms all got super excited. Guess who also wanted to tag along:

When Karrots, Berry & I got to the venue, we immediately loved the set-up. We had this portable make-up station to use, and I found via Instagram, when I posted this there, that it's available in Divisoria for about Php20,000 a pop. Is that a deal? Or no deal?

When we all got settled into our seats, Angie Goyena of iFace Cosmetics, the local distributor of BYS in The Philippines, warmly welcomed us and told the BYS story.

She shares that iFace, the Philippine distributor, decided to bring BYS to the Philippines late last year. Currently, BYS is the only color cosmetic brand in the world with the largest range of products and colors. For the eyes alone, BYS has over 100 products/ colors in 12 categories.

Take for instance, BYS eyeliner pencils do not only come in the usual black and brown, they also come in gold, in neon colors and even with glitter. Even eyeshadows come in neon shades!

They also have the largest range of nail polish with over 400 shades and variants such as Scented, Glow in The Dark, Magnetic, UV Reactive, Chrome, 3D Special Effects, Neon, Matte, Mirrorized, platinum, grafitti, mardigras and more.

BYS is also known for its mineral makeup range. The BYS Minerals Naturale line is formulated with natural ingredients free of chemicals, dyes, preservatives and talc and have passed the US FDA, European Union and Japanese safety standards. So safe that the BYS Minerals Naturale line is ok to use even after skincare and derma procedures like laser, IPL, micro-dermabrasion or a simple facial.

Another standout from BYS is its line of Baked Cosmetics. The Baked Bronzers and Blushers are made with an innovative formula that keeps oiliness and moisture at bay and hides impurities. Texture is ultra silky and may be used wet for thicker coverage and dry for a more natural, lighter effect. The bronzers give a radiant, luminous glow on one’s face and body while the blushers provide a natural, long-lasting highlight to cheekbones. .

That said, we did get to play with the main makeup line as well as BYS mineral products. The standout for me was the eyebrow pencil and if only I were more adventurous in makeup, I wouldn't think twice about experimenting with BYS colors because not only are the shades fun - like hello, orange eyeliners, they're also affordable!

BYS is currently available in 33 select SM and Watson’s outlets in Metro Manila and a few key cities like Cebu. By the end of 2013, there will be 50 stockists nationwide.

For more on BYS, visit their website, and like them on Facebook!

Summer 2013 Sunnies: Bvlgari

2013-04-22T20:21:00.002-07:00

Bvlgari sunnies are business in front, party on the sides.

from the Brilliant Cut collection

less bling-y but just as sparkly, from the Pavé Variaty collection

The highlight of the season would be this pair from the Serpenti Collection. Check out the snake coloured enamel scales on the temples...

...with a temple tip that delicately recalls the snake tail.

Given the glamorous lola vibe of Bvlgari sunnies for women, ever wonder what Bvlgari frames for guys look like? Quite classic actually. Maybe something Eddie Gutierrez would wear?

Wait for more of my posts on the hottest shades of summer from BLI. In the meantime, for updates, follow LuxuryEyewearPH on Twitter and Instagram and Like them on Facebook!

Nurture Nook, Now Open!

2013-04-22T10:13:00.003-07:00

Cousins Janice Villanueva aka Mommy Mundo and Candice Yaw recently opened Nurture Nook, the brick and mortar home to their maternity and nursing wear line Mommy Matters.

But apart from Mommy Matters, they also stock mommy and baby essentials from popular baby store brands like Next9 and Cycles to cult faves like Grandma's Secret line of products, Vapor Soove, Boogie Wipes and Paper Chic Studio, to up and coming must-have labels like Baby Jane, Babiators, Dolldalita and more.

Yes, Nurture Nook is more than just a store for mommies, babies and kids. It's a destination for anyone and everyone looking for anything from tried and tested products for daily use to something special and practical to give as gifts.

Mommy Hook, for moms on the go

Boogie Wipes

Vapor Soove for sniffles, Indigo first aid gel and healing balm for ouchies

Paper Chic Studio products, Dolldalita and Babiators

handmade felt owls and animals

Cycles, ByNature products, the complete line of Grandma's Secret products, Piggy Paint

carriers and nursing covers from Next9, Saya, Indigo Baby and more

Baby Jane booties and bow ties with hair accessories from various brands

Fun stuff right? Nurture Nook is quite easy to find and you most likely have passed it on your way to EDSA from Rockwell. It's along that quaint strip mall on Estrella Street, across the Palm Village gate in Makati.Visit soon!

Nurture Nook
Unit D 78 Estrella St.
Bel-Air Village
1209 Makati
Tel: (02) 514 7173
Email: nurturenookph@gmail.com
Facebook: Nurture Nook Shop

Zenutrients Natural + Organic

2013-04-22T07:23:00.001-07:00

My favorite toiletries and skin care products, all good to the last drop

I discovered Zenutrients thanks to Karrots. She had a Zenutrients Gugo Shampoo & Conditioner aka "Gugobelles Giveaway" over at LiveLoveLolz and of course, I joined. At the time, Xavi was just about 5 months old and I was going through postpartum hair loss. I know for a fact that gugo helps strengthen hair and increase volume so wow, just what I needed.

To cut a long, well fine, not so long story short, I won a set from Karrots and became a believer. She introduced me and Kris to Angela Dinglasan, the wonder woman behind Zenutrients, and she got us to road test more products from her line. Now, I have never met a Zenutrients product I did not like.

The Tea Tree Underarm Spray is so minty and kilig to the kili kili powers! Especially "refreshing" and cooling these hot summer days, it combats underarm wetness and body odor:

When I get colds, or a stuffy nose, I rub All is Well on my temples. Forget White Flower, this is the way safer alternative - organic and natural. Made with extra virgin coconut oil, essences of peppermint, eucalyptus, white tea, lemongrass, pineapple, vetiver and extracts of ginger and tea tree, it has a delicate minty smell that does not overpower but is completely soothing. Angela says this is great to apply on insect bites too:

Now that the gugo shampoo & conditioner have run out, we are currently using the Enhancing Green Tea Shampoo & Conditioner, which is great for oily hair. Dada loves using this as well, we both love the scent.

The Anti-Mosquito Sleeping Cream works like a charm and is especially great if you're the outdoorsy type.

Angela shares that Zenturients was originally called Z.E.N. until she and her group took over in late 2011. An all organic VCO based line of products that is all natural and affordable, you may check out the full line of products through authorized retailers and the Zenutrients stores in Virra Mall, Galleria, Festival Mall and Lucky Chinatown.

lemongrass, lavander, cotton mint & tea tree bath gels

herbal pain relief balm

citronella mosquito repellant

coffee body scrub

I know that the paper sticker labels leave much to be desired, because the colors tend to bleed when they get wet, but Angela says they're working on that. What matters is, the products are love! I am re-stocking the gugo and green tea shampoos & conditioners by the gallon, that's for sure.

The Zenutrients Story:

Z.E.N. started in 2007 as the creator, Gerry Villena& his family were asked by his church group to help young, underprivileged women, primarily from the provinces. The overall idea was to create jobs – a livelihood program – that would teach women a craft. Most of the women were young and from desperately poor families. Z.E.N. then began as a brand bottling & selling VCO, which rapidly expanded to other related lines: massage oils, scrubs, health balms, lotions, soaps, shampoos and the like. Despite limited sales outlets and no advertising, the brand found a strong underground following.

In 2011, it was taken over by a new management team, led by an investment group and brought in a new General Manager, Ms. Angela Dinglasan, coming from a 14 year experience with manufacturing, specializing in beauty products having worked with Unilever, Coca Cola and Reckitt Benckiser. She continues to run the company with this social responsibility guiding her.

For inquiries, email: zenutrients@gmail.com

For updates and more, like Zenutrients on Facebook.

Sneak Attack

2013-04-22T02:00:00.000-07:00

So I've been seeing photos of these camo Valentino sneakers here and there on Instagram and I have to admit I was jealous of the fact that it seemed they were only made for guys. So you can just imagine my surprise when I realized there's a version for girls too! Eeeep!

Valentino camouflage sneakers, $795

I first learned about the camouflage collection a month ago, when my friend Naomi bought this shoulder bag in Hong Kong...

It is love. I thought they only made camo bags for us girls, no sneakers. But anyhoo at this time, I can live without a new bag. I really don't see myself buying a new bag this year or any time soon. Although this tote admittedly, is quite a charmer.

But the camo sneakers? O.M.G.

Ano camo? Shopping ban? Did I ever say such a thing?

Summer Sunnies 2013: Dolce & Gabbana

2013-04-21T06:18:00.000-07:00

Do you know what D in D&G stands for? It's for Donya. Yes, "Donya". Because these D&G Sicilian Baroque sunnies are just so "Donya". I love the ornate relief design of gilded roses and unfurling foliage on sunglasses - it's like jewelry and sunnies rolled into one:

twine of roses and foliage in baroque style on the front...

...and on the temples

There's a less elaborate design, without the roses on the front. It's less "in your face", but just as gorgeous.

What I noticed from this season's collection of sunnies at BLI, and this is across all brands, is the focus on details. Little details that may or may not be instantly noticeable, but make a pair of sunnies special. Like the chain link detail on the temples of this pair...

Or the ubiquitous D&G logo on this one...

These D&G sunnies are available at LS Pascual Optical Rockwell and Shangri-la, Almeda Shangri-la, Almeda Shangri-la, Sarabia Rockwell and Adora.

Wait for more of my posts on the hottest shades of summer from BLI. In the meantime, for updates, follow LuxuryEyewearPH on Twitter and Instagram and Like them on Facebook!

Jasmine at New World Makati + Unlimited Dimsum for Php660

2013-04-21T05:29:00.001-07:00

Yes honey-soy chicken loves, you read that right. We're all in for a mid-day treat via unlimited dimsum for only Php660 at Jasmine, the Cantonese restaurant at the newly renovated New World Makati. But more on that later, background kwento first ;)

When Patty Balquiedra of Non-stop Babble and Nini Icban, Director of Communications of New World Makati, invited the SoMoms to New World Makati, I didn't realize we we're in for not just one, but a couple of pleasant surprises. For one, New World Makati has undergone quite a facelift. The lobby looks so sleek and modern, it's like stepping into a new hotel:

Second, they have great spaces for parties! I love the open kitchen in the area that used to be a restaurant. The name escapes me now, but it has an adjoining function room which is great for an event that fits 100 people.

Third, back to Jasmine. It's a whole New World, a new fantastic point of view. *Get it? Heehee.* It looks a whole lot different from the last time I was there, when it was still Emperor Court. There's a chic, modern chinoiserie vibe to the place, and overall, I find it a great place for a lunch meeting, family gathering or a pig-out date with the hubby or with the girlfriends.

I won't describe each dumpling, puff and bun we had in detail, but just trust me when I say everything is delicious! Enough to warrant repeat visits and tell everyone I know, it's a must go!

A selection of xiao long bao, spinach dumplings and shrimp dumplings

pork & vegetable dumplings

shredded radish puff

pan fried chicken bun

Your Php660 net for unlimited dimsum includes a choice of tea or soda. On weekends, you may opt for your dimsum to go with sparkling wine instead at Php950 per person.

We also got to try dishes that are not part of the unlimited dimsum menu, but are chef specialties that are also worth a try!

bai ling mushrooms, shrimp mousse, white sauce

wok fried beef tenderloin, ginger, green peppercorn, spring onion

cod fish, ginger, leeks

egg white fried rice w/ seafood topped with shredded dried scallops

We capped our excellent meal with mango cream, pearl tapioca and walnut cookies. This dessert alone is worth going back for.

Jasmine at New World Makati is helmed by Chef Wong Kam On (below, right). His dimsum chef is also named Chef Wong, and you know what, these Two Wongs, they make a right ;)

Jasmine is open daily from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm for lunch/unlimited dimsum and from 6 pm to 10:30 pm for dinner. For more information and reservations, call 811-6888 ext 3338.

Jasmine at New World Makati

2nd Level

Esperanza St. cor Makati Ave.

Ayala Center Makati City

www.newworldhotels.com

Espadrille Sergeant

2013-04-19T10:05:00.001-07:00

Chanel

WHAT THE F!

WHAT IN TARNATION MADE YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING TO SURVIVE SUMMER WITHOUT THESE LADIES?

VP Uni Espadrilles via Maryam Nassir Zadeh

Ropey Soles

NOW HERE'S SOMETHING FOR YOU, YOU PRISSY LITTLE PRINCESSES!

Valentino

Missoni

Tory Burch

DO I EFFIN MAKE YOU NERVOUS? DO I MAKE YOU QUIVER IN YOUR SWEATY SHOES? GOOD! NOW SHOP UP AND FIGHT!!!

camo via Espadrillesetc.com will make any drill sergeant feel right at home in this season's shoe of the moment

PS - Dada says I sound scary in this post. But I told him, I'm the Espadrille Sergeant kasi. Ahihihi.